Introduction:

This guide will walk you through the installation of Funny Playing's IPS LCD kit for the Game Boy Color. We expect you to take great care, and assume liability if something is to become damaged during the installation. Please kindly note that we can not accept any returns or offer refunds on IPS kits that were damaged in installation.

NOTE: The newest revision of the IPS has a different brightness controller than the one depicted in this tutorial. As per the product description, we recommend placing the touch controller of this revision on the left side of the shell.

Required Materials:

• Game Boy Color
• Funny Playing IPS Kit for CGB
• Pre-trimmed CGB shell for the IPS display (recommended)
• Tri-Wing and Philips head screwdrivers
• Dremel
• Kapton Tape
• Eye protection

Step 1: Disassembly

The first thing you will be required to do in order to install the LCD is disassemble your Game Boy Color. Be sure to keep all the small pieces together in a safe place to avoid losing them.

Step 2: Trim the Shell

If you haven't purchased a pre-trimmed shell, you will need to trim the shell of your CGB now. You will need to remove the top and bottom interior walls around the viewport, in addition to a small notch in the interior wall above the D-pad, in order to give the LCD adequate space. Refer to the before and after photos below for guidance. Make note, the trim above the D-pad does not go all the way down to the shell! 

Before:

After:

Step 3: Trim the PCB

In addition to trimming the shell, some trimming of the PCB is required for this mod. You will need to trim the legs of the cart slot and the battery clip on the console's PCB, in order to avoid pressure and subsequent damage on the ribbon cable when the console is reassembled. We strongly recommend eye protection when performing this step. Refer to the before and after photos below for guidance. 

Pins to Trim:

Before:

After:

Step 4: Prepare the LCD

Next, prepare the LCD to be installed. Connect the ribbon cable to the LCD and fold it so it is on the back of the LCD panel. Be sure to take care not to damage the ribbon cable in the process as it is fragile, especially at the connector between the ribbon cable and the LCD. 

Position the first part of the included 3D-printed bracket in the front of your shell. Carefully position the LCD and ribbon cable in place, and use the second part of the bracket to secure it. Finally, use kapton tape to insulate the ribbon cable.

It is worth mentioning the bracket is entirely optional, especially if using a pre-trimmed shell. The bracket merely helps with alignment, which may be helpful if your trim isn't as accurate as the machine trim on the pre-trimmed shells. As well, if you would like to print your own bracket, the necessary files can be found here (bottom bracket) and here (side bracket).

Step 5: Connect the LCD

Next, connect the other end of the ribbon cable to the console PCB, making sure the connection is secure. The touch brightness controller can be positioned under the IR port, so that touching the IR sensor will toggle between brightness settings. As well, ensure the touch sensor is not in contact with the metal frame around the LCD, as this will cause the brightness controller to not function properly.

Step 6: Reassembly

At this stage, the IPS LCD is successfully installed! All that is left to do is carefully reassemble your console, and enjoy your new, crystal clear, backlit display!